Alex Radeff and Donkey

Donkey is a classic, original rock/pop group based in Toronto. Founded by singer/songwriter/guitarist Alex Radeff as a vehicle for his eclectic songs, the project first gathered critical praise with independent cassette releases in the mid 90’s. High profile media figures such as Moses Znaimer, Gary Topp, and Gino Empry heard and supported the group’s musical/artistic direction. The College Music reviewed Radeff as a “something of a guitar genius” and Donkey as a band that is “all about music, not about attitude”. Building a loyal following as a trio in Toronto’s live music scene, Radeff & Donkey maintained a consistent stream of showcase dates in established Toronto venues such as The Horseshoe, The Rivoli, El Mocambo, Lee’s Palace, and the Opera House amongst others.

1999 brought the release of the debut CD “Kickback” featuring the rocking “Wartime”, a hit in Romania where it lodged in the Top 20 for 14 weeks. Two successful headlining dates at Toronto’s original Hard Rock Café followed and the band continued to gig at bars and clubs where they performed 3 to 4 sets a night.

At that time, Radeff began to do regular solo shows at Our Place, a busy shelter for marginalized persons at Yonge and Dundas in the downtown Toronto core. As one of the most popular music performers there, he played monthly shows for a span of 10 years until the shelter closed.

2003 saw the release of the successful “Nodding At The Universe” CD which kept the band gigging for over 120 one night stands till the end of 2009 including 11 consecutive Saturdays at Hoop’s in the heart of downtown Toronto and as an opening slot for British rock legend Arthur Brown who praised Radeff’s lyrics.

In 2009, Donkey’s third CD “The Calling Of The Streets” was released to enthusiastic reviews praising it as the project’s best work to date. The band continued to evolve creatively, writing, recording and consistently performing in Toronto and southern Ontario as well as festivals such as the Cabbagetown Arts festival and Buskerfest. In November 2013, Alex Radeff & Donkey were acknowledged as “one of the city’s most eclectic bands” by Gary Topp and were honored share a bill at The Rivoli with legendary Toronto original music pioneers Johnny & The G-Rays and The Mods. In Late 2016 Alex Radeff & Donkey released “Furthermore…” their 4th and best CD of all original songs and resume live performances in Toronto.

The live line up for Donkey is Alex Radeff on guitar and vocals, Jim Doucet on bass and Bruce Thomson on drums and percussion.